IB96V - Organisational Behaviour

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

The module provides students with an understanding of the antecedents and consequences of behaviour in organizations, with particular emphasis on processes of management and employee relations. The module has both intellectual and practical aims. Intellectually, the module takes a broad view of organizational behaviour and explores the links between psychology, organizational psychology, organizational sociology and management science as an aid to an understanding of people’s behaviour and experience of work in organizations. At a practical level, the module examines current organizational practices such as selection, motivation, team working, and change. This reflects the fact that the vast majority of students taking the module are pursuing careers in higher education, business organizations and/or in public agencies concerned with work and employment. It is in these very organizations where familiarity with, and expertise in, these areas are of key importance.

Principal learning outcomes

Subject knowledge and understanding: 1) To develop a strong understanding of the field of ‘organizational behaviour,’ and a critical appreciation of a broad range of theories and research underlying this field.Key Skills: 1)To develop students’ skills in essay writing and general written communication; 2) To develop students’ presentation skills. Cognitive Skills: 1)To develop students’ skills in critical thinking and analysis of organizational and management issues relating to leadership, motivation, teamworking, and change; 2) To develop students’ problem-solving and case-analysis skills. This requires skills in applying and utilising theories, concepts and research to understand and solve practical problems in organizations. Subject-Specific/Professional Skills: 1) To alert students to interpersonal and professional skills that will be useful in later life (e.g. communication, influencing, resolving conflict, team skills, managing change etc).